Train at Mala

Social Work Training

guidance in support of your passion. 

Why train with us?

At Mala Child and Family Institute, we see you not just as a trainee but as a future leader in the field of social work. Our training program is designed to nurture your passion, enhance your skills, and support your journey toward becoming a compassionate and effective clinical social worker. We are deeply committed to providing a training experience that is as enriching as it is transformative.

What Makes Us Different?

  • We understand that social work is more than a profession; it’s a calling. Our program is designed to help you connect deeply with your work, finding meaning and purpose in every interaction. You’ll learn how to provide care that honors the dignity and resilience of every individual and family you serve.

  • From the very start, you’ll be immersed in the hands-on work that defines social work. Our clients are diverse, and so are their needs. You’ll gain experience in areas like child-centered play therapy, perinatal mental health care, couples therapy, psychoanalysis, suicide prevention, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with both youth and adults. Each of these components is designed to deepen your understanding and broaden your skills.

  • We know that effective care comes from understanding the whole person. That’s why our training includes shadowing opportunities across disciplines—you’ll observe psychological evaluations, psychotherapy sessions with supervisors, occupational therapy, and psychiatry. This multidisciplinary exposure equips you with a well-rounded perspective, preparing you to work seamlessly within a team of professionals.

Clinical Social Work Training at Mala Child & Family Institute - University of Michigan logo

university of michigan practicum internships

We currently offer practicum internships for University of Michigan School of Social Work students. As a top-training facility for the University of Michigan, we accept two students per year for this internship program. If you are interested in applying or learning more, please contact University of Michigan’s Office of Field Education. Tap here to get in touch.

more about our training experience:

Rooted in Community, Connected to Excellence

Training at Mala means becoming part of a community that values connection, empathy, and excellence. Our strong ties to the University of Michigan ensure that your learning experience here is both academically rigorous and deeply grounded in real-world practice.

Diverse Client Experiences

You’ll have the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of clients, from young children to adults, each with unique stories and needs. This exposure will enrich your understanding and prepare you for a fulfilling career in social work.

Passion for Growth

We’re passionate about helping you grow, not just as a professional but as a person. Our training is designed to inspire you, challenge you, and ultimately prepare you to make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve.

Clinical Social Work Training at Mala Child & Family Institute - University of Michigan students studying in a library with stacked books around them
Clinical Social Work Training at Mala Child & Family Institute - Photo of a University of Michigan social work student wearing a graduation cap and gown

Post Graduate Fellowships

Mala is well-known throughout the Detroit-area for offering high-touch, heart-centered training programs to help new graduates become Licensed Clinical Social Workers. This intensive fellowship is a 2-year program, with second-year admittance based on first-year performance.

  • Whether you’re deepening your expertise or expanding your skill set, our post-graduate program offers advanced training that’s both challenging and supportive. You’ll have the freedom to explore your interests, knowing that our team is here to support your development every step of the way.

  • Our experienced clinicians are not just supervisors—they’re mentors who are committed to helping you thrive. You’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your professional goals, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for the next stage of your career.

  • Our program provides the clinical hours and supervision needed for licensure, all within an environment that prioritizes your growth and well-being. We’ll help you navigate the path to becoming a licensed social worker with confidence and clarity.

Specialty Tracks:

  • Play Therapy

  • Trauma & Anxiety

  • Neurodiversity

  • Couples & Familes

  • Suicide Prevention in Youth

Application Deadlines:

Undergraduate Interns Application Deadlines

  • Summer Start Date: February 1st

  • Fall Start Date: June 1st

Master's Level Practicum Students (MSW, Psychology, or Counseling)

  • Fall Start Date: March 1

Post Graduation Fellowship (LLMSW, Psychology, Post-Doctoral)

  • Spring graduation: March 1st

  • Winter graduation: October 1st

Our Program Staff

  • A man with light skin and short light brown hair wearing a blue patterned button-up shirt, smiling slightly against a light background.

    Doug Gardner, LMSW, RPT

    Director of Play Therapy Training Program & Social Work Supervisor

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  • Holly Stevens, LMSW

    Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Training Coordinator

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  • Kayla Szatkiewicz, LMSW

    Clinical Social Worker & Social Work Supervisor

    read bio

  • Kiera Dressler-Reed, LMSW

    Clinical Social Worker & Social Work Supervisor

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Apply to Be Considered for Future Fellowship Openings

If you have questions about training and supervision at Mala, please reach out. We would love to talk with you. If you feel deeply that Mala is your place, send us an application. Even if we are not currently accepting new interns or fellows, we’d be happy to place you on our interest list. Please note this on your application if you’d like to be considered in the future.

submit an application